By Elaine Van Develde
Rumson's Fourth of July fireworks may have had a much shorter run on holiday tradition than Red Bank's, but the reason for ending that tradition was tied to Red Bank's opting out — fear of overwhelming crowds seeking a Red Bank alternative.
And that's how it will remain, Mayor John Ekdahl said. While the mayor said that the expense was generously picked up by ample donations, totaling $100,000 a year via the Rumson Endowment fund, the notion of KaBoom's thousands funneling into the more suburban, smaller Rumson is an overwhelming one. A feared one.
Such a potential influx of motor vehicular and pedestrian traffic would shut down Rumson and neighboring towns, as with Red Bank, possibly turning what was designed to be a community event into mayhem.
It started out with a singular mission.
"Rumson started doing fireworks in 2007 to celebrate the centennial," Ekdahl said. "We did it in conjunction with Red Bank to save money. It was so successful it continued for four more years until Red Bank opted out for financial reasons.
"We regret not being able to continue the celebration of our nation's birth, since borough residents showed so much appreciation for the event."
The mayor said that a private display is set for July 5 in Sea Bright.
But, if you're longing for a reminder of Rumson's short-lived fireworks tradition, take a look at the YouTube video above. Happy Independence Day!
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